Thumb Sucking
Thumb Sucking is a Normal Behavior
Some babies start sucking their thumbs before they're even born. It's a natural reflex, and for many children, the habit continues well into their toddler years. Pacifiers serve much the same purpose. Both can help a child settle down when they're tired, upset, or having trouble falling asleep. You may also notice your little one reaching for their thumb when they're somewhere unfamiliar or feeling anxious.
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are normal parts of early childhood, but there comes a point when parents may need to pay closer attention to these habits. How long is too long? Could thumb sucking affect the way their teeth come in? These are questions we hear from parents, and they're worth discussing as your child gets older.
At Smile Time Kids, we're happy to take a look at your child's dental development and talk about any concerns you have. We love getting to know our young patients and want their visits to be pleasant experiences. Call 765-300-4634 to make an appointment or visit us at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN 47374.
The Oral Effects of Too Much Thumb Sucking
If the habit continues past the age of five or six, the pressure and sucking motion will begin to make changes to the mouth and teeth. Skeletal changes will begin to affect the alignment of the permanent or secondary teeth, resulting in an open bite. Smile Time Kids can evaluate the changes and provide a referral to an orthodontist for a consultation. In rare instances, a dental appliance may need to be placed in the roof of the mouth to achieve a change in behavior. The sooner the habit is stopped, the better the chance that the bite will correct itself.
If you are concerned about your child’s thumb-sucking habit, make an appointment for your child at Smile Time Kids. Our friendly, child-centered office will make your child feel right at home.
Education
A Few Do and Don’ts as a Parent Dealing with Thumb Sucking
Stress over how to handle a child who will not stop sucking their thumb is normal. Our dentists at Smile Time Kids have seen their fair share of patients with a thumb-sucking habit. With a little positive reinforcement and some savvy parenting, you can help your child curb their thumb sucking once and for all. Here are some do’s and don’ts for helping your child to stop sucking their thumb.
- DO: Be Mindful of the Problem- You should watch your child’s thumb sucking to make sure they are not injuring their mouth or their thumb. Watch for aggressive sucking, biting, or constant moisture that can make their lips chapped and sore. If your child exhibits injuries due to thumb sucking, talk with your pediatrician and Smile Time Kids. You should also talk with us if your child is older than four or five years old and still sucks their thumb frequently. Older thumb sucking can show a deeply rooted habit, and we can offer tips, tricks, medicines, or mouth guards to curb the habit.
- DON’T: Obsess Over Early Thumb Sucking- When you notice a new tooth in your child’s mouth, you might start stressing over their thumb sucking habit. Dentists and pediatricians warn parents not to become fixated on early thumb sucking. It is not likely to become a lifelong habit. The American Dental Association reports that between 85% and 99% of children stop sucking their thumbs on their own before they are four or five years old, so many things you might do before that to prevent thumb sucking could do more harm than good.
- DO: Use Positive Reinforcement- Compliment your child when you notice they are not sucking their thumb and tell them how proud you are that they are sucking their thumb less. Your child loves to make you proud of them. A little positive reinforcement can help them kick the habit permanently.
- DON’T: Shame Your Child- Shaming your child by punishing them or pointing the habit out to their peers will not help, but it could hurt their self-esteem.
- DO: Explain Why Thumb Sucking Is Not a Good Idea- Try to take a gentle approach to talking with your child. Explain to your child that thumb sucking could hurt their teeth. Gently approaching these topics in the comfort and safety of your own home could help your child to decide to stop on their own.
- DON’T: Intentionally Scare Your Child- Some parents try to scare their children out of sucking their thumbs by showing them pictures of damaged teeth or talking to them about complex psychological issues like anxiety. Although it might be tempting to explain the intricacies of thumb sucking to your children, scaring your child could make them feel like they are doing something wrong, when thumb sucking is a quite common issue.
Make an Appointment for Your Child Today!
Every child is different when it comes to visiting the dentist. We understand. The team at Smile Time Kids enjoys getting to know our young patients and helping them feel more at home in the dental chair. We also encourage parents to ask questions, whether it's about their child's teeth, treatment options, or what they can do at home to keep their child's smile healthy.
If you'd like to schedule an appointment, give Smile Time Kids a call at 765-300-4634. You'll find our office at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN 47374.